Pennsville Public Library installs solar panels to save, and maybe even make, money

Staff photo by Britney LillyaThe new solar panels above the Pennsville Public Library on South Broadway in Salem.

PENNSVILLE TWP. — Pennsville Public Library officials unveiled the facility’s new 36-kilowatt solar system Thursday afternoon, a project that is expected to not only save the library money but also produce income.

Pennsville Public Library Board of Trustees President Chris Hooks said while the library is in the midst of a critical time, the board made an important and forward-thinking decision by contracting Trinity Solar to install solar panels on the library’s roof.

She added that unexpected budget cuts are the most pressing issue at all of the board’s meetings. The library has been working hard to stay open, and some donations have given them temporary relief.

“This has been a huge project,” Hooks said Thursday during a press conference about the solar project at the library, adding the last big project the library undertook was its meeting room. “It is a scary thing to do.”

Moving forward with panels wasn’t an easy decision, she added, but the library was able to fund the project 100 percent with money from donors and supporters. Hooks said they have once again found a way to fund a special project with no debt.

While this project is expected to save the library money, and produce income, Hooks said they have a lot more work to do and money to raise to benefit the library.

The library, located on South Broadway, is expecting the 162 panels on the roof to greatly reduce or even do away with its electric bill, she said. The library will also be in a position to sell the excess electric that the panels will generate.

Mike Constantini, solar consultant for Trinity Solar, said Thursday the $134,000 system is expected to generate about $35,000 a year. He added the system will pay for itself in about four years.

“The library will be compensated for the green energy they produce by utility companies,” Constantini said, adding that could happen in about two months.

The solar system will be fully functional after all needed inspections are completed. The solar panels come with a 25-year warranty.

Constantini said while the financial return on this investment is a good thing, the environmental benefits are even bigger.

“It is always a fun day when I can see the panels up there,” he said, adding he applauds the library for taking this aggressive step. “They went for it and did it.”

Pennsville Public Library Director Nancy Whitesell said the workers from Trinity were wonderful during the installation process. She added they are among a few buildings in the township to have this type of system.

“We are going to save some money and make some money too,” Whitesell said.

Constantini said his company plans to make a donation to the library for any referrals that come its way as a result of this recent installation.